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First Year Students Visit the Loire Valley

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Your first semester at AUP has arrived. Your bags are packed; your plane tickets are booked. And all around the world, your future classmates are preparing to land in Paris for the adventure of a lifetime. But what awaits you in your first year? 

Once on campus, the First Year Success program begins. Alongside your friends and classmates, you’ll take part in Orientation, class trips, the Common Read, our iconic World’s Fair, First Bridge classes, a Wellness Fair, holiday parties and more. It’s all designed to help you feel prepared, connected, and at home in one of the world’s most fascinating cities.  

First up? A first-year class trip to the Loire Valley, a region recognized by UNESCO with over 300 chateaux, award-winning vineyards, and stunning views of the Loire River. For two days, you and your classmates will walk through history at the Château Royal d'Amboise and Chateau Blois, see Leonardo da Vinci’s workshop at Château du Clos Lucé, taste local cuisine, and explore nearby towns with your new AUP friends.  

Château Royal d'Amboise

For most students, this is the first time they’ll see France beyond Paris. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in French culture and see the former estates of French royalty, as well as the many green spaces that make this region “the Garden of France.” Along the way, you'll build friendships you’ll treasure all throughout your time at AUP.  

Being in a new space and experiencing new transitions really allowed me to get to know everyone on a level deeper than where they are from and why they came to Paris. It gave me a whole new perspective and allowed me to meet so many people I otherwise wouldn’t have, people that I’m sure I will continue to be friends with throughout my time here at AUP.

Luke Saghir, First Year

Students visiting Château Royal d'Amboise

If you’re not accustomed to traveling in a foreign country, don’t worry. University staff lead the trip every step of the way and enrich students’ cultural understanding of each historical site and its significance. Fees are nominal, and your travel and accommodations are organized by the University. Signing up is easy—all first-year students receive an invitation to participate and a simple link to register. 

My favorite part of the trip was our short trip to Blois. I loved the town—it had a really calm and peaceful energy, and the chateau we visited there was absolutely breathtaking—its architecture, its interiors, and the landscape.

Omar Mohamed, Student Advisor

Student photos from Chateau de Blois

While the group travels and dines together, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore on your own, or in small groups. Each town is brimming with interesting shops and local cafés, so long, wandering walks are highly encouraged. Student advisers—AUP sophomores, juniors and seniors who greet you on your first day at Orientation—are there to support you and to help new students bond and connect.  

I absolutely adore the Château de Clos Lucé. I was so glad to get a chance to go back there as the gardens surrounding the building are marvelous. It's also quite fun to play around with all the life-size da Vinci inventions.

Daria Minhas, Student Advisor

Château du Clos Lucé, the former residence and workshop of Leonardo da Vinci

On Saturday evening, students reconvene for casual group activities like karaoke, art tables and dancing. Others use the time to relax with friends. Our students often tell us that trips like these provide first-years with a common experience, which helps them build long-lasting relationships essential to their time at AUP. 

I got to talk a lot with my fellow students and learn more about them, and we all really bonded in our groups and rooms. Some even went out to a bar on Saturday night, which was an even better way to bond with each other. I got to know more new people and realized how international everyone really was.

Tatiana Johnson, First Year

By the end of the weekend, and certainly by the end of your first semester, you'll feel comfortable planning your own excursions around France and beyond. “Trips like these offer a welcome study break while giving students the chance to learn about French history and culture and make new friends,” says Dean Kevin Fore, who regularly leads cultural excursions for AUP in addition to his duties as Dean of Student Development. 

On Sunday, you’ll board the train back to Paris where your First Year Success program continues. Learn more about what awaits you, like the Common Read, our mentorship programs and more.